Scrums are messy and get reset
Players not binding, scrums falling over, the referee resetting again and again
Why it happens
- Scrums are new at this age. Body position and binding take time to learn.
- Mismatched sizes make the scrum unstable.
- Players push before they're set.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Bind first, then set.”
- “Flat back, head up.”
- “Great scrum! Steady and safe.”
✗ Not this
- “Push as hard as you can!”
- Putting untrained players in the front row.
- Arguing with the referee about resets. Check your age group's scrum rules with the official text.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Scrum bind practice
How it works
- Three players stand side by side and bind: arms round each other's backs, hands gripping shirts at the side.
- Bend the knees and hold a strong, still shape for 5 seconds. Then relax and re-bind.
- No pushing and no opposition.
Coaching points
- Bind first, every time.
- Flat backs, heads up, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Front-row play needs trained coaches. Ask your club.
Ready for the next level when: Every three binds quickly and holds a steady shape.
Crouch and hold
How it works
- A front three bind, as in Scrum bind practice. The players behind bind on in their positions.
- On the call, everyone crouches into a low, flat-backed shape and holds it for 5 seconds.
- Unopposed. Nobody pushes against another team.
Coaching points
- Flat backs and heads up, all the way through.
- Hips just above knees.
- If the shape wobbles, stand up and start again.
Ready for the next level when: The whole unit crouches and holds a steady, flat-backed shape on the call.
Scrum walkthrough
How it works
- Walk the whole team through a scrum, unopposed: forwards bind and crouch, the scrum half puts the ball in, the ball comes back.
- Backs line up in their spots, then run a simple move from the scrum.
- Repeat from different places on the pitch.
Coaching points
- Everyone knows their spot before the ball goes in.
- Forwards: bind, crouch, hold. No pushing.
- Check your age group's scrum rules with the official RFU text.
Ready for the next level when: The team sets up an unopposed scrum and runs a move from it without stopping.
Scrum restart touch
How it works
- A touch game. Every time the ball is dropped or goes out, restart with an unopposed scrum.
- The team with the ball sets up their scrum shape and backs line up. The other team stands back 5 metres.
- Play on from the scrum. Count how quickly a team gets set.
Coaching points
- Speed and safety: set quickly, but bind properly.
- Backs in their spots before the ball goes in.
- Unopposed. No pushing.
Ready for the next level when: Teams set up a scrum and play from it quickly without help.
Scrums and safety
- Front-row play needs coaching from trained coaches. Ask your club before practising scrums.
- Practise binding and body position unopposed. No pushing against another team in training without trained coaching.
- Pair front rows by size and strength.
- Check your age group's scrum rules with the official RFU text.
Common coaching mistakes
- Opposed scrums in training without trained coaching.
- Putting untrained or mismatched players in the front row.
- Pushing before players are bound and set.
- Changing front-row players every week.